Indianapolis Neighborhood Explosion Leaves 2 Dead, at Least 4 Injured

The cause of the blast is under investigation.

ByABC News
November 11, 2012, 9:31 AM

Nov. 11, 2012— -- An explosion that could be heard from miles away rocked an Indianapolis neighborhood, killing two people and injuring at least four others, while setting several homes ablaze overnight.

Windows and doors could be found a block or two away from the blast, which occurred in the Richmond Hill subdivision late Saturday night and was followed by a fire that raged through the neighborhood.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, which they initially believed was caused by natural gas, ABC News affiliate WRTV reported.

Four homes were destroyed and an additional 18 homes were damaged.

Kirk McDonald, who lives down the street from the explosion, said he felt his entire house shake.

"[It was] a loud explosion, then the whole house shook. Things [were] falling off the walls and stuff," he said.

At least 150 people were forced to evacuate the area as firefighters battled the massive blaze.

"As soon as I got to the house and I heard those people screaming, all I could think of was, you know, these people have to get out or they're not gonna make it," said neighbor David McDonald, who helped rescue a couple inside a house that later went up in flames.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been asked to help in the investigation.

The names of the two deceased victims have not been released.

ABC News Radio contributed to this report